Recommendation/Question on Snow Tires for '00 328ci!!

[328ci007]

Hey everyone, my car is actually at the dealer right now getting many things done (you wouldn't believe the dealer sold me a car that needed the front end completely redone -- inner/outer tirerods, ball joints, control arms, struts, bushings ... way to go BMW dealers of NY ), anyways I was looking to get a pair of winter tires and came across these ones on eBay:

eBay Motors: 225/45/17 DUNLOP WINTER SPORT M2 (QTY 4), GREAT SET !! (item 180049546346 end time Nov-17-06 07:01:17 PST)

I read some great reviews at tirerack.com from other BMW owners, the most common experience being a night and day difference from the OEM all-season tires in the snow. I'm used to driving a Mustang so the actual snow driving is not the hassle, but I figured since I switched over to luxury that I might as well couple it with less-fear in the snow, too.

My question regarding the use of these tires: is it OK to use them now in Fall into Winter (where I live its about 35-55 degrees on average, last couple of days have been high of 60), I've just heard some nasty rumors about snow tires doing not to well in higher temperatures. Also, if I am going towards snow tires is Dunlop a good way to go? I've seen Pirelli winter tires but I'm not trying to spend a fortune .. thanks in advance!!

[PhatCat]

I have been driving on Michelin X-Ice for a couple of winters now and they are seriuosly kick ass. I'm about to put some on my e30 for the winter as well(I have them on my truck).

[exjarhead328]

I run Dunlop WinterSport M3's and I like them a lot. All season? I don't touch 'em. Summer tires/Winter tires. I'm not giving up the performance to save a few bucks. The Dunlop's are designed to offer better performance than than your basic snow tire so I imagine they can manage higher temps as well. I forget what mine are rated at but I'll find out next week when I have to put them on for the loooooooong cold winter.

[Mike C]

If you are going to run those just for winter, I wouldn't think it would be a problem. Being a winter tire, they might have a little road noise.

I was looking at those also. I currently have the Dunlop SP Sport 5000s on my wife's 98 323is. The front's are OK, the backs need to be replaced after about 20-25K. The SP 5000's were a very good tire dry, wet and even snow. They just wore out way to quick for me. That's why I think I'm going to stay away from Dunlop. Every review I read quick wear was the only problem people had. Good Luck, and congrat's on the new ride!

Mike C